Experiences
If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the Norwegian fjords and charming Norwegian cities, a journey onboard the legendary Hurtigruten is for you. One passenger described it this way: "It surpassed my wildest dreams. This wasn't just a holiday — it was an amazing experience!"
Picolo Editorial
Hurtigruten does not have typical cruise ships as we know them from many other parts of the world. The ships tend to be smaller and still deliver the necessary cargo and mail to many small towns and villages on their route along the world's second-longest coast. Hurtigruten has done this since the late 1800s, which has created strong relationships with the people along the coast.
What makes the trip magical is the ever-changing landscape along the almost endlessly long Norwegian coast. Only Canada has a longer coast than Norway. Hurtigruten ships take you to the most dramatic parts of the world's most famous fjord landscape, bringing you closer to the fjords and the coast than any other means.
You can choose between trips of different lengths. The longest is a round trip and takes 12 days. Many people prefer to travel in the summer to be able to experience more outdoors on deck and, not least, to catch the midnight sun. However, if you travel in winter, you can see beautiful snow-covered landscapes in the narrow and spectacular Norwegian fjords. No matter what season you choose to travel, you will experience the beauty of nature and the elements at very close range.
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Sailing since 1893
Hurtigruten a crucial connection for many roadless towns and islands. Visitors from all over the world have experienced this historic journey, which is one of Norway's biggest international draws.
Hurtigruten started its journey in 1893, sailing up and down the coast, delivering mail and goods to sparsely populated towns and ports. This made Hurtigruten a crucial connection for many roadless towns and islands. Since then, the company has grown by leaps and bounds. Visitors from all over the world have experienced this historic journey, which is one of Norway's biggest international draws.
There are sixteen ships in Hurtigruten's fleet, carrying 230,000 passengers to their destinations every year. In many the ports, travellers can go ashore and experience charming Norwegian coastal towns. There are many short stops along the route, some of which last for hours and are perfect for experiencing life on shore.
The classic sea voyage north takes you from Bergen in the southwest to Kirkenes in the north. The ships sail all year round, in changing weather and landscapes. When you arrive at port, you can participate in lots of exciting activities, ranging from hikes to fifty seasonal excursions.
All cruises start in Bergen
The city is Norway's former capital and second-largest city. In Bergen, you can experience Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
All cruises start in Bergen, Norway's former capital and second-largest city. In Bergen, you can experience Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can taste fresh, delicious seafood at the famous fish market, or take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for a fantastic view of the city.
On day two of the journey north, the ship stops in the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, which burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt with the support of Kaiser Wilhelm. Here, you can go ashore and experience the city, with cobblestone streets and amazing Art Nouveau architecture all around. The last stop of the day is Molde, where on a clear day you can see the entire Molde panorama, a mountain range with 222 peaks around the Romsdalsfjord.
On the way north, you will reach Trondheim on day three. Go ashore and explore this modern yet historic city. Explore narrow streets lined with colourful houses and enjoy a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Trondheim is known as an excellent culinary destination, with fantastic local food and an ever-increasing number of stars in the celebrated Michelin guide.
amazing Art Nouveau architecture
The ship stops in the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, which burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt with the support of Kaiser Wilhelm.
On day four, you cross the Arctic Circle, an event marked by a special ceremony on your way to the magical archipelago of Lofoten. The islands are known for their small fishing villages, rich populations of whales and sea eagles, and, not least, the spectacular nature.
You arrive in Tromsø on day five. One of the main attractions is the Arctic Cathedral, with its amazing glass art. You will find trendy cafes and shops along the cosy city streets. Tromsø is a modern city, nicknamed the Paris of the North, where you are surrounded by the Arctic landscape wherever you go in the city. If you want to experience the unique life in the Arctic Ocean, you can visit Polaria, the world's northernmost aquarium.
On day four, you cross the Arctic Circle, an event marked by a special ceremony on your way to the magical archipelago of Lofoten.
Tromsø by night
Tromsø is a modern city, nicknamed the Paris of the North, where you are surrounded by the Arctic landscape wherever you go in the city.
On day six, you will arrive at Nordkapp. A large globe marks continental Europe's northernmost point. It's not possible to get further north than this on the European mainland, and this is a place that is on many people's bucket lists. On the very last day at sea, Hurtigruten first docks in Vadsø, where you will find a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Nowhere else in Europe do Arctic flocks gather in the same way as in Vadsø.
By the time you arrive at the end of your journey in Kirkenes, you will have visited as many as 34 unique Norwegian ports.
Midnight sun
Nordkapp is Europe's northernmost point. It's not possible to get further north than this on the European mainland, and this is a place that is on many people's bucket lists.
Depending on the time of year you travel, you will experience different views, different temperatures and varying amounts of daylight. It is worth noting that it can be cool on deck when the boat is in the open sea. During the summer months, the sun never sets during the northernmost part of the journey. In winter, there is much less daylight, but on the other hand you may get to experience an equally spectacular light, namely the northern lights, at their most magical. Winter is cold in Norway, so be prepared (see the tips below).
Hurtigruten offers a wide range of excursions, where you can choose between active experiences, nature, art and history, food and drink, visits for animal lovers and excursions to explore local communities. Test them all and find out which one is your favourite!
picturesque view
During the summer months, the sun never sets during the northernmost part of the journey. In winter, there is much less daylight, but on the other hand you may get to experience an equally spectacular light, namely the northern lights.
The meals on the ship literally offer the taste of the whole Norway. More than 80 per cent of the ingredients served on board come from Norwegian suppliers. Locally sourced ingredients are delivered directly to the ship in 15 of the ports you visit. Taste unique Norwegian dishes with Arctic char, reindeer, award-winning local cheeses, or exclusive king crab, in addition to many other culinary delights.
There are several meal options on board, which you can select as early as when booking your trip. The first meal of the day consists of a classic Norwegian breakfast buffet, where you will of course find eggs and bacon, and bread with toppings of all kinds, including traditional Norwegian varieties.
Dinner is usually a three-course set menu, consisting of an appetizer, a main course and dessert. Hurtigruten uses many locally sourced ingredients, which guarantees fresh and classic Norwegian dishes. On each table, you will find cards with information about the dishes, and where the ingredients were sourced.
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You can bring your car on board if you want to use it on excursions or plan to drive back the long way from Kirkenes. When boarding, passengers leave their luggage at Hurtigruten's terminal, where it is stored safely. Passengers can board several hours before the journey starts. Passengers can access their cabins at 6 pm, and luggage is delivered directly to the cabin door. Passengers receive a card which serves as both the key to their cabin and as a payment card everywhere onboard.
Taste of Norway
The meals on the ship literally offer the taste of the whole Norway. More than 80 per cent of the ingredients served on board come from Norwegian suppliers.
One passenger summed up their trip in this way: It surpassed my wildest dreams.
You may want to pack books, a deck of cards or other games to kill the time between the ports, after you have taken in the nature and the fjords.
When choosing clothes for travel, remember to dress in several layers. The temperature varies according to the seasons and time of day, and it is always colder at sea. It's a good idea to wear thin woolen clothes under a windproof layer. This can help keep you dry and warm. Do not forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Good shoes are also important.
There is a virtually endless array of beautiful landscapes along the sea route, so you should definitely bring your camera and binoculars.
You may want to bring medicine for seasickness. The journey usually takes place in calm seas, but nature is capricious and there can be some big waves when crossing open sea. Tip: When you board the ship, you will find information about when the ship enters the sections of open sea. You can then plan to take medicine for seasickness a few hours in advance for maximum effect.
In the summer, you may want to bring a sleep mask. Sleeping under the midnight sun is an unfamiliar experience to many.
There are opportunities to wash laundry during the cruise. If you are planning a longer trip, this means that you can travel with less luggage. The price covers one wash and includes detergent and a tumble dryer.
If you buy postcards on the ship, don't forget to buy Hurtigruten stamps. When you cross the Northern Arctic Circle, you can have the postcard stamped as a souvenir or gift to show that you have been there.
The ship's crew provide daily announcements over the loudspeaker system. These are usually given in Norwegian, English, and German. Here, you will receive information about the next port of call and information meetings.
Luxury cabins
Choose from a wide range of comfortable cabins on Hurtigruten.
Find your journey
many people's bucket lists is the northern lights.
Routes with Hurtigruten
Map over the routes with Hurtigruten. All trips start in Bergen.
The Geirangerfjord
The iconic Geirangerfjord is known for its spectacular waterfalls and deserted fjord farms high up on the steep cliffsides.
Sustainable sailing
To become more sustainable, Hurtigruten is in the process of switching to hybrid operations. One of the ships is already in greener operation: MS Roald Amundsen and is used for expeditions around the world.
It is important for the Norwegian authorities to preserve the beautiful nature you see on your journey. To become more sustainable, Hurtigruten is in the process of switching to hybrid operations. One of the ships is already in greener operation: MS Roald Amundsen has a capacity of 530 passengers and is used for expeditions around the world. Hurtigruten is the first major travel company to remove single-use plastics from its entire fleet and all of its hotels. The company also believes in educating guests and creating sustainability ambassadors for each destination.
A cruise with Hurtigruten will give you memories for life. The fantastic landscapes, excursions and Norwegian history are truly something special. The small villages and towns along the coast offer a journey through history, and culture and landscapes not found anywhere else in the world.
One passenger summed up their trip in this way: "It surpassed my wildest dreams."
HOTELS
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Enjoy your trip to Norway
Katie Lee Barstad
